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Blue monkey

Cercopithecus mitis

Description:

Also known as the diadem monkey, this primate is mainly olive or grey in color, apart from the face (which is dark with a pale or yellowish patch on the forehead - the "diadem" from which the species derives its common name), the blackish cap, feet and front legs, and the mantle, which is brown, olive or grey depending on the subspecies. Blue monkeys are found in evergreen forests and montane bamboo forests, coming to the ground infrequently. They are very dependent on humid, shady areas with plenty of water, mainly eating fruit and leaves, but also some slower-moving invertebrates. Females stay in their natal groups while males disperse once they reach adulthood. As a result, blue monkey groups usually consist of one male with several females and infants, giving rise to matrilinear societies. Only 5–15% of their activities are related to social interactions.

Habitat:

These monkeys are native to Central and East Africa, ranging from the upper Congo River basin east to the East African Rift and south to northern Angola and Zambia.

Notes:

Seen at the Lilongwe Wildlife Center, a rescue and rehabilitation center.

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2 Comments

Maria dB
Maria dB 12 years ago

They are cool, aren't they?

KarenL
KarenL 12 years ago

These are one of my favorite primates - so pretty!

Maria dB
Spotted by
Maria dB

Lilongwe, North Carolina, Malawi

Spotted on May 5, 2011
Submitted on Feb 22, 2012

Spotted for Mission

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